2003 Volume 43 Issue 3 Pages 127-138
Various wild animals and plants on the earth are facing extinction. Kochi Prefecture is called the “Treasure House of Wild Orchids”, but many species are about to become extinct or are on the verge of extinction by being hunted for horticultural use in recent years. The purpose of this research is to acquire a guide for preservation of wild animals and plants (mainly composed of orchid family) and consider what environmental education there should be. To achieve this, we conducted a survey of students in Kochi Prefecture (Kochi University, Kochi Women’s University, The University of the Air, Kochi Agricultural High School), using a questionnaire form on their opinions regarding wildlife preservation and their recognition of CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species). According to the survey, the students believe that orchids are expensive and, for this reason, their purchases of orchids are limited. The proportion of students who believe endangered wild orchids must be protected is very large in number, however, there are also pros and cons on planting artificially propagated ones in natural environments. Furthermore, it seemed that the students were unconcerned and knew little about the preservation of wild plants and CITES in the circumstances where no education is offered for wildlife preservation. The needs for preservation of wild animals and plants, however, could be more recognized in the public, if we would make efforts to educate them on this matter through familiarizing themselves with wildlife in their neighborhoods and the mass media, such as TV.
